Eugene Otting

Eugene "Tom" A. Otting, 85, of Shullsburg, WI and formerly of Dubuque and Farley, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on June 4, 2020 after a long battle with poor health. Tom was born May 9, 1935 in Farley, Iowa, son of Henry and Veronica (Melchert) Otting. Tom grew up in Farley and attended St. Joseph's Catholic School. After graduation, Tom served in the Navy from 1953-1957. After the service he was a telegrapher and a yard master for the Great Western Railroad and later the Milwaukee Road and Soo Line. He ran the Dip Tap in DBQ and later worked at Merkle-Korpf in Darlington, WI, until his retirement in 1998. After retirement he enjoyed many part time endeavors, his favorite being the driver of the Shullsburg School Bus for over 11 1/2 years. Tom married Helen Annette Kunzman on July 27, 1957. She preceded him in death on May 28, 1978. He married Pauline (Curran-Hensel) On December 30, 1990. He is survived by his wife, Pauline, his daughters, Kimberly (Dave) McGinnis and Karen (Mike) Hirsch both of Florida, 3 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, his sister Grace Vaske of Dyersville, IA, brother Sam of DBQ and two sister-in-law's, Christine (Terry) Beyer of Elizabeth and Mary Ellen (Christopher) Lyne of Scales Mound, several nieces and nephews and special friend, Rick McCauley.Tom was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, his sister and husband, Lois (Howard) Neal, brother-in-law's Don Vaske and James Curran and in-laws Viola and Paul Curran.Tom was a lifelong Catholic and a VFW lifetime member. He bowled for over 40 years and sponsored many teams when he owned the Dip Tap.A private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at ericksonfuneralhome.comThe family would like to thank Dr Ram, Dr Tara Brock and the rest of his medical associates doctors who helped so much to make his last years as good as possible. We would also like to thank Hospice of DBQ, Megan, Stephanie, Shirley and especially his nurse Brittney.